At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia travel blends dreamy alpine landscapes with striking and unusual architecture. Curvy mountain roads take travelers to hidden villages, crystal-clear lakes, and ethereal waterfalls. At the same time, the vibrant fusion of East and West is palpable in the thriving bazaars and rich flavors of beloved local cuisine. Ancient cave towns coincide with soviet monuments as ruined castles tower over futuristic glass-and-steel buildings. In Georgia, the fairytale charm of medieval kingdoms unites with the modernity of a country pursuing ambitions to join the European Union.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with this astonishing location through our Georgia Travel Guide below. Suppose the country has already captured your imagination and you are looking for travel particulars. In that case, you can find useful details on our Georgia Travel Tips page to help you prepare for your upcoming trip.
Embark on Your Dream Journey in Georgia
Explore ancient cave towns, step inside the ruins of Zoroastrian temples or amble along robust walls of historic convents. Design your tour around Georgia’s splendid vineyards and local delicacies, or provide an outlet for your adventurous spirit with hiking, rafting and winter ski tours.
At Advantour, we create our Georgia tourism packages to suit even the most selective of our clients. Historical tours, outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, multi-country expeditions - we have it all. And if you cannot find what you are looking for among our pre-arranged tours, drop us a note and we will gladly design a tailor-made Georgia travel itinerary just for you.
Traveling Through Georgia
Georgia's diverse weather conditions and wide assortment of activities make the country an attractive holiday destination year-round. Summer and autumn, with their pleasant sunny days and lush landscapes, are the high seasons, yet winter and spring also have their perks:
Winter is the ideal time to admire the snow-covered fairyland of Georgian mountain villages. Georgia boasts of several ski resorts, with well-developed Gudauri. As winter is the season for discounts, budget travelers can significantly curtail their Georgia travel costs. Plus, fewer tourists in winter means reduced crowds and easier access to many attractions and landmarks.
Spring is a gorgeous season in Georgia. The weather warms up and the snow gradually melts, opening routes to hidden alpine gorges and valleys in the process. In the country’s lower regions, meadows are transformed under an ocean of wildflowers. Along with winter, spring is filled with national festivities sure to delight travelers who are curious about Georgian traditions and customs.
Summer in the country of Georgia brings hot weather and lush greenery. Local bazaars overflow with juicy fruits and vegetable of every variety, so come prepared to eat your share of strawberries, cherries, melons and peaches. Local restaurants open their gardens and balconies for scenic dining, and pleasant evenings invite casual city strolls. Summer is the perfect time to cool down in the Black Sea waters of Batumi or head north to discover the alpine charms of Kazbegi and Mestia.
Autumn is warm and sunny, a dream come true for travelers visiting Georgia. It is the season of harvests, when tables bend under the weight of freshly picked apples, apricots and grapes. Wine is omnipresent, its scent and taste sensed wherever you turn. The grind of daily life relents as people relax with friends and family in the sunshine. If you are lucky, you may get invited to join them over a glass… or ten… of wine!
Your Travel Map Guide
Use the Georgia Travel Map to locate the country's key landmarks and learn what each one has to offer.
Determining the Ideal Destination for Georgia
Georgia offers an abundance of natural, historical and religious wonders, and you could easily spend days, if not weeks, exploring this addictive country. Our Georgia travel itineraries encompass tours of varying lengths and diverse routes which can be tailored to fit individual interests and schedules. Yet we understand that you may need some initial guidance to plan independent travel in Georgia or to gain a feel for the country before booking a tour package. Based on years of experience in designing such journeys, we recommend the following:
Tbilisi – Georgia’s capital offers an attractive blend of modern and historic architecture, charming parks and a plethora of museums, theaters and art galleries.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Major attractions: Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral, Tbilisi Sulfur Baths
How to get off the beaten path: Visit Georgian Pantheon or stop at Dry Bridge Flea Market to search for antiques and Soviet memorabilia.
Mtskheta-Mtianeti – Beautiful region in the heart of the Greater Caucasus and home to Mount Kazbek, it’s perfect for summer trekking and winter skiing. It also holds some of Georgia’s most important historical sites, including the first capital of Georgia, Mtskheta.
How long should I stay? 1-3 days
Major attractions: Mtskheta, Ananuri, Stepentsminda (Kazbegi)
How to get off the beaten path: Experience Gudauri Ski Resort’s winter charms or trek among the fortified villages of Khevsureti.
Kakheti – This land of grapes is a must for anyone interested in local winemaking traditions. Home to 75 percent of Georgia’s wineries , it produces some of Georgia’s most popular wines and is also renowned for its exquisite cuisine and marvelous historical sites.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Major attractions: Gremi Fortress, Sighnaghi, Telavi, Tsinandali
How to get off the beaten path: Wander the remote highlands of Tusheti or explore the rock-hewn David Gareja Monastery.
Shida-Kartli – This landlocked province symbolically unites Georgia’s millennia-long history on a plain nestled between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Major attractions: Gori, Joseph Stalin Museum, Uplistiskhe Cave Town
How to get off the beaten path: Many travelers do not realize that Shida-Karli is also a prevalent winemaking region. Contrary to Kakheti, the area is dominated by small-scale, family-owned wineries. Consider a visit to the wineries in Kaspi or Igoeti.
Imereti – Home to Georgia's second most important city, Kutaisi, and the perfect place to combine historical and nature tours. Caves, waterfalls and canyons vie for space with UNESCO Heritage Sites, while bazaars tempt with assorted produce and warm breezes carry whiffs of Black Sea waves.
How long should I stay? 2-3 days
Major attractions: Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, Prometheus Cave
How to get off the beaten path: Stop at Green Bazaar in Kutaisi to bargain for wine and fruit. Hike in the marvelous Okatse Canyon Park or take a boat ride on the sparkling waters of Martvili Canyon. For paleontology enthusiasts, the massive dinosaur footprints of Sataplia Cave Park are a must-see.
Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti – A charming region with exceptional mountain scenery and unique medieval tower houses which have survived thanks to the region’s seclusion. The pearl of Svaneti, Ushguli Village, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
How long should I stay? 3-4 days
Major attractions: Mestia, Ushguli, Zugdidi
How to get off the beaten path: Leave your vehicle behind and hike from Mestia to Ushguli via the isolated mountain villages of Zhabeshi, Adishi and Iprali.
Adjara – A wealthy province on the Black Sea coast near the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, it is home to splendid beaches, unique cuisine and Georgia's second-largest city, Batumi.
How long should I stay? 2-3 days
Major attractions: Batumi, Gonio Fortress, Batumi Botanical Garden
How to get off the beaten path: Visit mountainous Ajara, inhabited by traditional Muslim communities, where you will find rare gems such as Khulo, a small town famous for its 1719-meter-long cable car used by residents to travel to nearby Tago village.
Samthskhe-Javakheti – One of the largest and most diverse regions in the country of Georgia, it’s a delightful conglomerate of mountain scenery, numerous lakes and noteworthy cultural monuments.
How long should I stay? 2-3 days
Major attractions: Vardzia Cave Town, Borjomi Resort and National Park, Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe
How to get off the beaten path: Come in winter and ride the "Kukushka" train from Borjomi to Bakuriani Ski Resort. In summer, travel to Paravani Lake and Poka St. Nino Nunnery, stopping on the way to admire the waterfalls of Dashbashi Canyon.
Where Culture Comes Alive
The effervescent Georgians love a good party and celebrate most significant events with splendid traditional feasts called supra. Come be enamored by the elaborate toasts of the supra’s presiding toastmaster, or tamada. Succumb to the seductive charm of vibrant, aromatic wines and succulent flavors of traditional dishes. Let the buoyant hospitality of Georgians engulf you in a flurry of festivity and fun.
New Year and Christmas Season (December) – In mid-December, capital city Tbilisi starts to shimmer under a canopy of holiday lights. “New Year” trees and decorations transform boulevards, shop windows and private homes into a winter wonderland, and holiday festivals and concerts are held daily. On New Year’s Eve, the merriment culminates in a spectacular fireworks show held on every main square across the country.
Best place to celebrate: Tbilisi
Orthodox Christmas (January 7) – Georgians recall the birth of Christ with joyful parades, special candlelight services and the decoration of chichilaki, a special Christmas tree made from dried hazelnut or walnut branches.
Best place to celebrate: Tbilisi
New Wine Festival (Second Saturday of May) – In May, Georgians and foreigners alike gather in Tbilisi to sample young wines fermented throughout the winter. The New Wine Festival comes replete with traditional Georgian dishes and a variety of artistic performances.
Best place to celebrate: Tbilisi
Independence Day (May 26) – Georgia's independence is duly commemorated with grand shows and firework displays. Public and private institutions invite visitors to tour their grounds, and concerts and exhibitions are held in every major city.
Best place to celebrate: Tbilisi
Tbilisoba (Early October) – Tbilisi’s birthday typically falls in early October, shortly after harvest time is over. The event is celebrated under the splendid autumn sky with sumptuous feasts, cultural performances and plenty of excellent wine.
Best place to celebrate: Tbilisi
Svetitskhovloba (October 14) – This unique festival celebrates Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, considered one of the holiest places in the country and included with other historical monuments of Mtskheta as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Svetitskhovloba festivities last the entire day and include concerts and cultural performances.
Best place to celebrate: Mtskheta